Festo MPS

The FESTO MPS example application was developed to demonstrate the applicability of the IEC61499 Function Block model and prove the effectiveness and usability of our:

1. IEC61499 compliant FB execution environment (RTSJ-AXE) [1],

2. tool infrastructure (CORFU ESS and Archimedes System Platform) [2][3], and

3. development process,

The Festo MPS was also used as a case study to present the concept of the Model Integrated Mechatronics (MIM) paradigm that introduces the concept of the Mechatronic Component (MTC) and considers a Cyber-Physical System as a composition of MTCs (Cyber-Physical Components). Synergistic integration of the three discipline parts of Mechatronic system is proposed at the MTC level [4]. A Cyber-Physical Systems based approach of this concept is described in [8].

Initial web site of the Festo MPS: http://seg.ece.upatras.gr/seg/dev/FestoMPS.htm

The CORFU Engineering Support System (CORFU ESS) was utilized to apply the hybrid approach described in the paper entitled “Using UML in Control and Automation: A Model Driven Approach”, 2nd IEEE International Conference on Industrial Informatics, (INDIN 04), 24-26 June, Berlin, Germany, [5].

This case study is also used as a running example in the paper entitled “Design Alternatives in the IEC 61499 Function Block Model”, 11th IEEE Int. Conf. on Emerging Technologies and Factory Automation, (ETFA’06) Sept 2006, Prague [6].

The first prototype implementation of the FESTO MPS control application was developed by Evagelia Mpogiatzi in the context of her Diploma thesis [7].

A live demo was presented at ETFA'07

References

  1. K. Thramboulidis, A. Zoupas, “Real-Time Java in Control and Automation: A Model Driven Development Approach”, 10th IEEE International Conference on Emerging Technologies and Factory Automation, (ETFA’05), Catania, Italy, September 2005.

  2. K. Thramboulidis and C. Tranoris, “Developing a CASE Tool for Distributed Control Applications”, The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, Volume 24, Number 1-2, July 2004, pages 24-31, Springer-Verlag.

  3. K. Thramboulidis, D. Perdikis, S. Kantas, “Model Driven Development of Distributed Control Applications”, The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, Volume 33, Numbers 3-4 / June, 2007, Springer-Verlag.

  4. Thramboulidis, K. “Model Integrated Mechatronics – Towards a new Paradigm in the Development of Manufacturing Systems” IEEE Transactions on Industrial Informatics, vol. 1, No. 1. February 2005.

  5. K. Thramboulidis, “Using UML in Control andAutomation: A Model Driven Approach”, 2nd IEEE International Conference on Industrial Informatics, 24-26 June, Berlin, Germany, (INDIN´04).

  6. K. Thramboulidis, “Design Alternatives inthe IEC 61499 Function Block Model”, 11th IEEE Int. Conf. on Emerging Technologies and Factory Automation, (ETFA’06) Sept 2006, Prague.

  7. Mpogiatzi, E. “Using IEC61499 in control and automation: The FESTO MPS case study” Diploma thesis, April 2006. (in Greek)

  8. K. Thramboulidis, “A Framework for the Implementation of Industrial Automation Systems Based on PLCs”,